“You'll find quiet in her arms and you'll find shelter from the evil, 'cause she has a tender heart for all of her children.”--Czarna Madonna

In every Polish church there is a reproduction of the Black Madonna. When Poles emigrated, they brought their devotion to the Mother of God with them, creating home altars and innumerable churches, chapels, and shrines in her honor. A special place is always reserved for her.

In recognition of the pain of change and consolidation, The Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J , initiated an effort with the parish of St. Columba Cathedral in 2010 to renovate the St. Columba Cathedral baptistery into a shrine to Our Lady of Częstochowa.St. Stanislaus Kostka graciously gifted their incredible mosaic to serve as the centerpiece. Financial donations from St. Casimir Society, Cathedral parishioners, PolishYoungstown have now made this effort into a reality.

A complete schedule of month long celebration planned to commemorate this joyous event are as follows:

September 22-23Pilgrimage to National Shrine to Our Lady of Częstochowa, Doylestown, PAGeneral public is invited to join the Polish Falcons of America on their annual pilgrimage bus trip to see the national shrine to Our Lady and pray for our continued blessings on the project. $220 pp single/$180 pp double Call 800-535-2071 to reserve your spot.

October

Novena to Our Lady of Częstochowa begins

Although no public, organized novenas are currently schedules at area parishes, we encourage you to consider offering the individual novena for continued blessings on the project via the prayer here.

October 45 PM

Communal Sing

St. Columba Cathedral Choir Loft.

For the past several months area choirs have been working to create a Marian-themed CD in honor of the dedication. On this night, you can make your voice heard and be part of the celebration when the general public is invited gathering to perform and record a community version of Czarna Madonna to honor the Blessed Mother. Conceptualized to be in the spirit of “We Are the World”, this charity single will be included on the Shrine Tribute CD, but the only one to be released as a single. All profits from its sale will go to support the shrine. Words and sing along available here

No experience necessary! All are welcome!A potluck fellowship will follow in the church hall.

October 28 10:30 AM

Departure Mass and Procession

St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Williamson Avenue

In the spirit of the annual pilgrimage to Jasna Gora Shrine in Częstochowa, Poland, following mass at St Stanislaus, parishioners and other interested participants will drive in procession to carry the mosaic to St Columba Cathedral. Upon arrival, all will be welcomed with ceremony and prayer. The mosaic then will be placed on display near the high altar for devotion and prayer until the dedication. Fellowship in hall to follow.

Tuesday 305 PM Prelude5:30 Mass

Dedication Mass and Celebration

St. Columba Cathedral

Prelude performances by Śląsk Song and Dance Ensemble, the national choir of Poland, St. Columba Cathedral, St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Casimir Society choirs. Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown will preside over mass and dedication ceremony. A celebratory Polish reception will follow catered by Seven Roses Catering. It will include an extended performance by Śląsk Song and Dance Ensemble and a cash bar. Suggested donation $35 p.p. Donors receives complimentary commemorative CD. Reservations required call 330-744-5233